The accident — which involved a car and an agricultural-type vehicle — is understood to have happened some time before 10am on the Ballymena Road, near Doagh village.

The dead woman was in the car involved in the collision. It was not clear last night whether she was driving the vehicle or if she was a passenger. Police said that a 54-year-old woman, a woman aged 25 and a 14-month-old child were also hurt.

A 27-year-old man was also treated in hospital for his injuries — which are not believed to be life-threatening.

The most seriously injured is understood to be the older woman who was being treated in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital last night.

A spokeswoman for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said: “The patient is seriously ill but it (her condition) is not life-threatening.”

The child and other adult were being treated in Antrim Area Hospital last night. Their condition was said to be stable.

Ballyclare Alliance councillor Pat McCudden said the road where yesterday’s collision happened has a history of crashes.

The PSNI has asked anyone with any information to contact 0845 600 8000.